Chapter 7
The Judicial Branch
Section 1:Equal Justice Under the Law
Section 2:The Federal Court System
Section 3:The Supreme Court
Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law
The Main Idea
The rights of all U.S. citizens are protected by laws
and the courts.
Reading Focus
• In what ways is the United States a nation of
laws?
• What are the four sources of law in the United
States?
• What roles do the courts play in the United
States?
Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law
Majority rule affects the making
of laws.
• Laws usually reflect the opinion of the
majority.
• Laws are passed for the good of all
citizens.
• Good citizenship involves abiding by the
laws.
• Without laws, anarchy could develop.
Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law
Four types of U.S. laws:
• Statutory law —passed by lawmaking bodies
• Common law —judges’ decisions based on
common sense, experience, and practice
• Administrative law —created by government
agencies
• Constitutional law —based on the Constitution
and its interpretation by the Court
Section 1: Equal Justice Under the Law
Role of the Courts in the United States
• Use law to settle disputes
• Assure equal justice for all through fair
trials
SECTION 1
Question: What roles do the courts play in
the United States?
The Roles that Courts Play
provide fair
public trials
ensure equal
justice for all
Section 2: The Federal Court System
The Main Idea
The federal court system consists of the three
levels of courts, each of which has specific
duties.
Reading Focus
• What is the purpose of the U.S. district courts?
• How are the U.S. courts of appeals different
from the district courts?
• What is the role of the Supreme Court?
Federal Court System- :54
Section 2: The Federal Court System
Cases tried in the federal courts:
• Cases involving people charged with
disobeying the Constitution, violating a
U.S. treaty, or breaking laws passed by
Congress
• Charges brought by a foreign country
against the United States or its citizens
• Crimes committed on U.S. ships at sea
Section 2: The Federal Court System
Cases tried in the federal courts:
(continued)
• Ambassadors and consuls charged with
breaking laws in a foreign country
• Crimes committed on certain federal
properties
• Disagreements between the states
• Lawsuits between citizens of different
states
Section 2: The Federal Court System
Organization of Federal Courts
• Ninety-four district courts —at base of
system; jury trials held here
• Courts of Appeal —review district court
cases; 12 courts of appeal cover circuits;
panels of judges make the decisions
• U.S. Supreme Court —highest court in the
land; an appeals court; decisions are final
Section 2: The Federal Court System
Role of the Supreme Court
• Reviews cases from lower federal
courts and state courts
• Constitutional jurisdiction over:
– cases involving diplomatic representatives
from other countries
– disputes between states
– disputes between states and federal
government
SECTION 2
Question: Which cases are tried in federal
courts?
Federal Court Cases
1. constitutional violations
2. U.S. treaty violations
3. congressional law violations
4. cases between a foreign government and a U.S. citizen or the
government
5. crimes committed on U.S. ships at sea
6. cases involving U.S. ambassadors and consuls who broke laws in
their stationed countries
7. crimes committed on certain types of federal property
8. disagreements between states or citizens of different states
Section 3: The Supreme Court
The Main Idea
The Supreme Court hears appeals, reviews laws,
and strongly influences American society.
Reading Focus
• What is the power of the judicial review?
• What are the constitutional checks on the
Supreme Court’s powers?
• How has the Supreme Court strengthened
constitutional rights?
Section 3: The Supreme Court
Process through which cases are tried in the
Supreme Court:
•
•
•
•
•
Thousands of cases are appealed to the Court each
year.
One hundred to 200 cases are selected for the
docket.
Selected cases contain significant public interest or
questions.
Four out of nine justices must vote to hear a case.
Previous verdicts stand for rejected cases.
Supreme Court Justices- 1:35
Section 3: The Supreme Court
Supreme Court justices
• Are appointed by the president and
approved by a Senate majority vote.
• Are appointed for life but may be
impeached.
Principle of Judicial Review- 1:44
Section 3: The Supreme Court
Judicial review has
strengthened the Court’s power.
• Courts decide if a law or presidential
action is constitutional.
• Supreme Court has the ultimate power
of judicial review.
Section 3: The Supreme Court
Congress can limit the Court’s
power.
• Can rewrite laws to make them
constitutional
• Can amend the Constitution to include
new laws
SECTION 3
Question: How has judicial review strengthened
the Supreme Court’s power, and how does
Congress limit this power?
Limit
Judicial
Review
Strengthen
It asserted the Court’s
power to declare laws of
Congress and
presidential acts
unconstitutional.
Congress may pass a
similar law abiding by
the Constitution or may
try to amend the
Constitution.
Congress
Dred Scot Decision- 2:47
Brown v. Board of Education- 1:29
Miranda v. Arizona- 1:30
2000 Presidential Election- 1:30
Chapter 7 Wrap-Up
1. Describe the types of laws that exist in the
United States.
2. What services do U.S. courts provide?
3. Which cases are tried in federal courts?
4. How is the federal court system organized?
5. How are appointments made to the Supreme
Court, and how long do justices serve?
6. How does the Supreme Court limit Congress’s
power, and how does Congress reassert it?